The orange-red sun peeked from the horizon, painting the sky with the colours of dawn.

"Om Mitraye namah..."
"Om Ravaye namah..."
"Om Suryaye namah..."

Standing in the waist deep water of the artificially made pond, that was situated in the north east part of the Rathore Mahal's premises, Rudra chanted the mantra and poured the water from his cupped palms. He was deeply immersed in prayer. Bhairav stood vigilantly near the pond.

Drops of water trailed down his well sculpted body. The dawn light giving them the shine of diamonds. His curly hair matted on his forehead almost touched his closed eyes.

This particular habit was imbibed in him since childhood. Not even the lifestyle of New York, deterred him from performing this activity daily.

Rajwanta, followed by several maids holding covered platters, treaded towards the pond. She looked at her son with a wistful smile. These all were immensely missed by her during his stay in abroad.

Rudra came out of the water. His dhoti dripping with water. He took the cotton wrap and draped it over his shoulder. He observed the hordes of maid lining up behind his mother. He bent and touched her feet to seek blessing.

"God always bless you," Rajwanta blessed him with a smile. Rudra's eyes roamed along the covered platters.

"What's all these Maa?" He questioned.

"Oh yes, I forgot. Rudra come and separately touch these platters. The things will be then distributed among the needy and poor people," Rajwanta explained patiently.

Rudra gave her an amused smile, "What are you trying to do, Maa? Did your oldie head priest again suggest you another nonsensical ritual?"

Rajwanta pursed her lips. "You will never understand these rituals and their values. Tell me, will you not listen to your mother?" She asked.

"Anything for you, Maa," Rudra answered smilingly and touched all the platters. Rajwanta then dismissed the maids.

"What's the matter Maa? These worry lines on your face speak a different story." He said. Rajwanta turned towards him,"I don't know. My heart has been quite restless these days. These past days have been full of bad omens. I don't know why, Rudra, but I feel like something big and likely bad is going to happen. I sense an impeding storm," she paused.
"I just want my family safe. I will perform all the rituals whether or not they sound supersticious."

Rudra stared at his mother for few minutes and gave her an assuring smile.

After her departure, he looked at Bhairav and signalled him. The latter nodded and bowed before walking away.

"You are wrong, Maa. It has already started. The storm has already arrived," Rudra whispered looking at the sun shinning over the horizon.

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Gauri greeted the new morning with a smile. She stood infront of the mirror drying her wet hair. The soft clinking of the glass bangles drew her attention towards her wrists. The turquoise bangles rested perfectly on her wrists. Smiling within, she made her way to kitchen.

She opened the container and poured generous amount of ghee inside the heated pan. Furthermore, she added gram flour including cardamom and sugar. The sweet smell wafted across the kitchen. After cooling the mixture, she firmly rolled the mixture on her palm and shaped them in small balls.

"Mmm hmm. This sweet smell has filled the whole hall. What is my Laado (dear daughter) making today?" Savitri asked with a smile. Soumya also joined her.

"Besan ke ladoo," Gauri replied.

"And why, all of a sudden, did you decide to make it?" Soumya questioned her niece.

"Mami sa, I always make something or the other right? But yes, I made them for Rudra and Siddharth bhai," Gauri answered.
"You both don't know but Rudra and I had a little fight."

"Gauri," Savitri exasperated. "Why did you fight with him. Poor boy, he is so innocent."

"Your poor innocent boy called me at night and disturbed my beauty sleep to share his views on the midnight sky. What was I supposed to do? I chided him and now..." Gauri mentally whispered, letting out a weary sigh.

"Don't worry, I made these for him only. He won't be able to resist these," Gauri said.
"Ok Maa. I'm getting late. Have to stop by cafe to give them these before going to campus."

Savitri glanced at her daughter thoughtfully.

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Gauri and Radhika entered the cafe. Gauri's eyes searched for Rudra and Siddharth which was easy. Obviously, that long and lush hair was hard to ignore.

Both walked towards them and greeted. Rudra grumbled out the greeting.

"Radhika, what is your Jaan doing here?" Rudra asked.
Gauri huffed, "Radhika, tell him, I came to meet Siddharth bhai?"

Rudra's eyes snapped towards Siddharth who nervously sipped his cappuccino.
"You traitor," Rudra growled.

Gauri frowned and faced Siddharth, "Thank you bhai for your help."

"Wow, dearest brother helping his darling sister, charming isn't it?" Rudra's sarcastic comment made Radhika giggle a bit.

Suppressing her smile, Gauri forwarded the small steel tiffin box towards Rudra.
"Sorry Rudra. I was so sleepy that time. I promise, next time when you want to talk about midnight sky, space, stars, nebula, milky way galaxy, I won't shout at you." She said innocently, holding her ears.

Rudra stared at her intently with inexplicable intensity. That adoring face stirred his heart and his face broke into a smile.

He took a ladoo and tasted it.
"Wow, it's delicious. You made it?" Rudra asked relishing the taste. Gauri smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Hush, finally," Siddharth whispered.

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"Gauri wait," Rudra called out. Gauri and Radhika halted in their steps. Rudra came and suddenly hugged her.

He caged her, not even allowing her to embrace him back. Her hands were pinned on the sides and head was pushed towards his chest, resting below his chin. Her shock, soon turned into overwhelming contentment.

After sometime, he released her. "This is my way of saying 'thank you'," Rudra said smirking a bit.
"Now I got a hug from you. Score settled with that boy."

Gauri giggled, her cheeks turned a beautiful shade of pink.
Radhika gave a knowing smile and thumbs up to Rudra.

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In the evening

Gauri and Radhika got stuck in the traffic. Some type of political rally was passing by. Probably, it was a victory rally of any MLA.

Gauri sat, impatiently drumming her fingers on the scooty's handle. Abruptly, her eyes moved towards the secluded corner of the rally where a young man, forcefully held onto a young girl who was crying profusely. His lips moved animatedly, malicious shine was evident on his face.

Gauri fumed in anger, "Rads hold Chetak. I'm coming in a while."

"Where are you going, Gauri? Gauri, hey..." Radhika called but Gauri was already out of her reach.

"You b*tch, what did you think huh? I...," his words were cut off when a tight slap landed on his face, grabbing the attention of people around.

Gauri stood there with red face, glaring at him. She pacified the crying girl.

"How dare you," the man growled.

"No, how dare you. Touching a woman without her permission and badmouthing her, this is what you have been taught."

"What is happening here? Why are you raising your hand against my party worker?" Devendra Raj asked glaring at Gauri. His trusted suppoters and security stood behind him.

Gauri averted her gaze from the man towards Devendra and shot daggers from eyes, "Oh, so he is your supporter,  Mr.MLA," she spat out. Both of them glared at each other.

*****

Besan ke ladoo- popular Indian sweet dish.